The ignition cylinder protector is a hardware modification specifically tailored for vehicle models ineligible for a security software upgrade introduced by Kia earlier this year. It reinforces the ignition cylinder body, preventing its removal through the techniques showcased in widely circulated social media videos that encourage criminal activities.

Scheduled to be available from December 20, this new modification will be offered through a complimentary Customer Satisfaction Initiative for models not qualifying for the software upgrade. After installation, each vehicle will be labeled with window decals to inform potential car thieves about the enhanced theft protection system.

This announcement is part of Kia's ongoing efforts to support its customers and communities affected by criminals utilizing social media-promoted theft methods targeting specific Kia vehicles. Alongside the ignition cylinder protector, Kia has developed a software upgrade that enhances vehicle security by limiting the ignition system's operation if a potential thief tries to steal a locked vehicle without the key. The company strongly advocates for eligible customers to install this software upgrade, with nearly 940,000 installations by dealers since January. Kia has also conducted temporary software upgrade clinics in key cities, with more planned for early 2024.

For models ineligible for the software upgrade, Kia continues to offer free steering wheel locks to affected owners. These locks not only fortify vehicle security but also serve as a visible deterrent to potential thieves. Kia has distributed over 325,000 steering wheel locks to date and remains committed to providing them as needed. Additionally, the company collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and public officials to distribute these locks effectively. Earlier this year, Kia announced an agreement to offer additional benefits to customers impacted by vehicle thefts.

Image source

The Kia Rio has adopted a more stylish front end with the mid-cycle update. The tiger-nose grille has been narrowed and a lower, wider front bumper and new fog lamp housing have been introduced. Full LED headlamps have been made standard. The front end looks slightly more powerful now. On the sides, the sub-compact hatchback has received new 16-inch alloy wheels. Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue new exterior colours have also been introduced.

The interior of the 2021 Kia Rio doesn't pack substantial visual changes. The biggest update is a new larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Also new is a higher-resolution 4.2-inch MID in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the new infotainment system, the Rio has become one of the first Kia models to offer new 'Phase II' UVO Connect connected car features. Moreover, customers can go for a new blue colour pack to add a dash of colour and flair to the cabin. This includes coloured seat bolsters, dashboard and door armrests, along with contrasting stitching.

Moving to the powertrain updates, Kia has replaced the Rio’s Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with the new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi engine. The new turbocharged petrol engine has been announced in 100 PS and 120 PS maximum power versions. However, while the old engine’s 120 PS version produces a maximum torque of 172 Nm, the new engine’s 120 PS version develops a maximum torque of 200 Nm. The maximum torque of the new engine’s 100 PS version is yet to be disclosed.

Unlike the Kappa engine, the Smartstream engine is equipped with Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology that allows the engine to switch between different combustion cycles as per the load seamlessly. Also, while the old engine came with a 6-speed manual transmission, the new engine comes with a 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). There’s no mechanical linkage, and the clutch of the transmission is controlled electronically instead.

The Smartstream T-GDi engine, unlike the Kappa T-GDi engine, is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Moreover, the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system of the new Kia Rio is also an upgraded one. The new ISG system further reduces fuel consumption by shutting off the engine when both the brake and clutch pedal are depressed. The old ISG system was linked to only the clutch.

The 100 PS Kappa T-GDi engine was available with only a 5-speed manual transmission. 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic have been announced as the transmission options for the 100 PS Smartstream T-GDi engine.

Customers willing to settle for a lower cost engine in the new Kia Rio facelift will be able to go for a new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill featuring Dual Port Injection technology and offering maximum power of 84 PS. The sedan version of the Rio should also receive a facelift soon. Kia does not plan to launch the Rio in India.

Also Read: Kia Soul being “seriously” considered for launch in India

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

Kia Rio

Kia might have fixed its focus on the utility vehicle segments for the Indian market, but the one product which has certainly has the potential to bring in volumes is the Rio premium hatchback.

The second biggest hatchback from Kia’s global lineup, the Rio is actually based on the Hyundai i20, and it is quite evident from the way it looks. The silhouette of the Kia Rio is very similar to that of the Hyundai i20. The front and rear fascias are completely different. The Kia Rio measures 4,065 mm of length, 1,725 mm of width and 1,450 mm of height. It has a 2,580 mm wheelbase. The Hyundai i20, in comparison, is 3,985 mm long, 1,734 mm wide and 1,505 mm tall. It has a 2,570 mm wheelbase.

Like its mechanical cousin from Hyundai, the Kia Rio is generously equipped with premium features. While on the outside it has bi-projection headlamps with LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, electric sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels, the interior is equipped with automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and leather upholstery.

Internationally, the Kia Rio is available with four engine options, all of which are offered in even the Hyundai i20 - 120 PS 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol petrol, 84 PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 100 PS 1.4-litre petrol and 90 PS 1.4-litre turbocharged diesel.

Ford Fiesta

While the Indian public got a chance to experience the fifth and sixth generations of Fiesta in its sedan form, Ford never launched the Fiesta hatchback in the Indian market. One of the best cars in its category as far as driving dynamics are concerned, the Fiesta is currently in its seventh generation globally.

Talking about the latest iteration of Ford Fiesta, the premium hatchback indeed looks sporty, with a hexagonal grille, sleek headlamps and an upswept design from the sides towards the rear.

However, the changes are much more comprehensive on the inside, with an all-new dashboard and much longer equipment list. The new Ford Fiesta shares a lot with other current-gen Ford offerings, which include a new steering wheel, revised instrument console, a floating type touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system and new buttons for automatic climate control.

The Ford Fiesta always had great engine options, and the latest generation version follows the suit. On offer are three engines – the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit in three states of tune (100 PS/125 PS/140 PS), 1.1-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit in two states of tune (70 PS/85 PS) and a 120 PS 1.5-litre diesel unit.

Fifth-generation Nissan Micra

Yes, the Nissan continues to sell the fourth generation Micra in India in both the pre-facelift (Micra Active) and facelifted version. However, both these versions are nowhere close to the all-new, fifth-gen model – a proper B-segment hatchback which is already on sale globally.

The fifth-gen Nissan Micra is clearly much bigger and has dynamic looks as opposed to the cutesy avatar of the old car, and these make it look much more premium. As far as the exterior styling is concerned, the new Nissan Micra looks very swanky with swooping design for the front bonnet and door panels. With feel-good features like LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler and boomerang-shaped tail lamps with LED inserts, the Nissan Micra has definitely upped the game when it comes to visual appeal.

On the inside too, the dated looking and oddball circular theme of the previous generation Micra has made way for a much wider and contemporary looking dashboard. The major highlights of the new cabin include colour coded panels, an all-new flat-bottom steering wheel, 7-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a rich-sounding 6-speaker Bose Personal sound system.

And it’s not only the sheet metal changes which make the Nissan Micra an all-new offering. At launch, one diesel and two petrol engines were on offer. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is good enough for producing 90 PS of power and 220 Nm of torque. On the other hand are two petrol engines - a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine (74 PS/95 Nm) and a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine (90 PS/140 Nm). All the three engines are coupled to a common 5-speed manual gearbox. However, this used to be the options at launch.

At the start of this year, three new combinations were introduced: 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine (100 PS/160 Nm) with 5-speed MT, 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine (100 PS/144 Nm) with CVT and 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine (117 PS/180 Nm) with 6-speed MT. The most powerful engine can offer 20 Nm extra torque with an overboost function. The 100 PS/160 Nm engine is the replacement for the 90 PS/140 Nm engine.

Sixth-gen VW Polo

Volkswagen too has followed the same suit which Nissan follows for the Micra, by selling the previous generation model and keeping the all-new generation model away from India. However, unlike the all-new Nissan Micra which looks completely different from its previous version, the new Polo looks more like a subtle evolution of the previous Polo, which is still on sale in India.

Nevertheless, the sixth-gen VW Polo is based on the manufacturer’s MQB platform, and it is bigger, thus eradicating the previous model’s biggest shortcoming – in cabin space. With sharper lines and inclusion of new features like full-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and a panoramic roof, the new Polo definitely looks more upmarket than ever before.

However, the feeling of upgrade strengthens even more when one steps into the new Volkswagen Polo’s cabin. New feature additions here include an Active Info Display fully-digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, wireless charging and 300-watt Beats Audio sound system.

The versatility of the new sixth-gen VW Polo is higher with the number of engine options on offer – a total of nine of them. The list includes 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol unit in two states of tune (65 PS and 75 PS), 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit in two states of tune (95 PS and 115 PS), 150 PS 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit, 200 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, 90 PS 1.0-litre petrol-CNG engine and 1.6-litre diesel engine in two states of tune (80 PS and 95 PS).

Renault Clio

Renault has been criticised a lot by enthusiasts for not bringing many of its globally acclaimed models to the Indian shores, one of which happens to be the Renault Clio. Europe's best-selling sub-compact hatchback has entered into its fifth generation worldwide, which makes it look even more tempting.

Sitting on the all-new, CMF-B platform, the 2019 Renault Clio is 14 mm shorter than the version it has replaced. However, it is wider and sits lower than the latter, which gives it a sportier stance. Complementing this stance is its curvy design with sharply styled full LED headlamps and C-shaped daytime running LEDs, which has already become a signature element in modern-day Renault cars.

The rear too has been mildly revised with a more rakish windscreen and new LED tail lamps. A lot has changed in the cabin of the Renault Clio as well. The part-digital instrument console, steering wheel and automatic climate control buttons from the Renault Captur have been replaced by all newly designed elements, which make the cabin look a bit more elegant. However, the biggest highlight here is the floating type vertically shaped 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with all the modern smartphone connectivity options.

The Renault Clio is available overseas with a variety of engine options. The most basic engine option is the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine is available in 65 PS/95 Nm and 75 PS/95 Nm versions. Then, there's the slightly more powerful, 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces that 100 PS of power and 165 Nm of torque. The most powerful petrol engine is the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which makes 130 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. Other engine options include a 1.5-litre diesel engine (in 85 PS/220 Nm and 115 PS/260 Nm versions) and a 1.6-litre petrol-electric mild-hybrid E-TECH engine, with the latter set for launch in 2020.

In addition to the confirmed Carnival minivan, Kia's imported range in India may include the Ceed and Sportage. The B-segment cross-hatch will become the smallest product in the company's lineup and is said to be bound to launch in 2021.

The new model is likely to share its underpinnings with the next generation Rio hatchback. The current-gen Rio is sold in hatchback and sedan body styles in many international markets. In fact, markets like that of Russia and China even get a cross-hatch derivative that is sold as the K2 Cross. It measures 4,104 mm in length and is 40 mm longer than the Rio. The Indian-spec crossover-ish hatchback, however, should be less than 4,000 mm in length to qualify as a small car for lower GST rates.

The made-for-India Kia model could share its turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines with its compact SUV brethren. The Kia SP2i will be available with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines.

Also See: Kia's Hyundai Creta rival spied in S. Korea, launching ahead of schedule

The Kia SP2i is expected to cost INR 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom), which means that it will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Nissan Kicks.

[Source- autocarindia.com]

Kia will initially focus on UVs, launching a locally manufactured Hyundai Creta rival first and then a locally manufactured sub-4 metre SUV. The Kia Sportage or Kia Grand Carnival could arrive as a CKD import between these two. Later, the company will launch a Hyundai i20 rival (codename: Kia KP1) and a Hyundai Verna rival (codename: Kia KP2).

People familiar with the development have told Mint that Kia has already received an approval for the KP1 and KP2 from its headquarters in South Korea. It has even discussed plans to develop these projects with its vendors.

“The hatchback that Kia is planning to bring into the Indian market will compete directly with Hyundai Elite i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno. This (strategy) makes sense since these are the segments that are doing well and will continue to attract customers in the future as well,” said one of the sources.

“In the midsize sedan segment also, the company will throw a challenge to the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift and Hyundai Verna as the quality of the products will be good and the management of Kia both in India and Korea know the India market well enough,” the source said.

Also See: Korean artist shows the Kia Tusker (production Kia SP Concept) in a flawless rendering

Kia already has Hyundai i20 and Hyundai Verna rivals in its global line-up, the Kia Rio Hatchback and Kia Rio Sedan respectively. If the Kia SP concept is a precedent, India is likely to get locally adapted models with unique designs, having component synergies with Hyundai products, to save cost and time.

Kia India's Marketing and Sales Head, Manohar Bhat, has confirmed to Hindustan Times that the company plans to make the hatchback within three years of starting production in 2019.

[Source 1: Mint]

[Source 2: Hindustan Times]

According to a report from The Economic Times, the latest development was confirmed by Kia CEO & President Han-Woo Park.

“In 2019, we will launch the SP concept car. In the following year (2020), we will launch the small SUV, (the) next car will be a premium hatchback, and based on market demand we will decide other models.”

The Kia SP Concept’s production version is said to compete with the Hyundai Creta. It will measure over four metres in length, meaning that Kia will still have a room for a sub-4 metre SUV that classifies as a small car and attracts lower tax (29%). The second SUV due in 2020 will have a sub-4 metre body and compete with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport.

After the Kia sub-4 metre SUV, Kia will launch a premium hatchback, possibly the Hyundai i20-rivaling Kia Rio. By 2020, the fourth-gen Kia Rio will have reached the middle of its lifecycle and receive a facelift internationally. The company may bring the facelifted Kia Rio directly to our market.

Also See: Kia Stonic – Auto Expo 2018 Live

The Kia SP Concept-based SUV will enter production in September 2019. Its market launch will take place before Diwali the same year, possibly in October.

[Source: The Economic Times]

The Kia Rio is a B-segment hatchback. The sub-compact hatchback measures 4,065 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width and 1,450 mm in height. It has a 2,580 mm wheelbase. Kia offers it with four engines: 100 PS/120 PS 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol, 84 PS 1.2-litre MPI petrol, 100 PS 1.4-litre MPI petrol and 90 PS 1.4-litre TCI (WGT) diesel. 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

The Kia Rio's proportions are quite similar to those of the Hyundai i20, with which it shares a common platform. It has a completely different design, though. On the outside, it features a sleek Tiger-Nose upper grille flanked by bi-projection headlamps with LED DRLs, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and LED tail lamps.

Interior highlights of the Kia Rio include automatic climate control, 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob and alloy pedals.

Kia has no plans to bring the Kia Rio to India anytime soon. The company will first launch the Kia SP Concept's production version, in H2 2019.

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan is 4,385 mm long, 1,725 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall. Its wheelbase and ground clearance are same as that of the 2017 Kia Rio hatchback - 2,580 mm and 150 mm respectively. The sedan version’s engine options are also the same: K1.4 MPI and K1.6 MPI. The 1.4-litre petrol engine develops 100 PS at 6,000 rpm and 13.6 kg.m (133.37 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 123 PS at 6,300 rpm and 15.4 kg.m (151.02 Nm) of torque at 4,850 rpm. Transmission choices, common to both engine models, are 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

Unlike the Rio hatch, the 2017 Kia Rio Sedan does not have 17-inch alloy wheels. It settles for smaller, 15-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include bi-projection headlamps, sleek ‘tiger-nose’ grille, electric folding mirrors, keyless entry, engine start-stop button, automatic climate control, cruise control, 3.5-inch MID, centre console armrest, rear USB charging port and 60:40 split-folding, fully foldable rear seats. Key safety features include parking sensors (rear), Hill-start Assist Control, Electronic Stability Control and six airbags.

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan’s prices in the UAE start at AED 47,900 (INR 8,44,467.54). The small sedan competes with the likes of Hyundai Accent and Honda City in the country.

The all-new Kia Rio is the fourth generation of the South Korean supermini. The UAE-spec 2017 Kia Rio measures 4,065 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. It has a 2,580 mm wheelbase and a 150 mm ground clearance. It is available with two petrol engines: K1.4 MPI and K1.6 MPI. The 1.4-litre engine produces 100 PS at 6,000 rpm and 13.6 kg.m (133.37 Nm) of torque. The 1.6-litre engine develops 123 PS at 6,300 rpm and 15.4 kg.m (151.02 Nm) of torque at 4,850 rpm. A manual transmission is not available, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Sleek ‘tiger-nose’ grille, bi-projection headlamps, electric folding mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler are the exterior highlights of the 2017 Kia Rio. Inside, the small hatchback features automatic climate control, 3.5-inch driver information display, cruise control, centre console armrest, fully folding rear seats and rear USB charging port.

Kia had launched the 2017 Kia Rio in the UAE in August this year.  The small hatchback competes with the likes of Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris. Its prices start at AED 47,900 (INR 8,44,672.78).

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio, the Hyundai i20 equivalent from the Kia brand, entered its fourth generation last year. The all-new Rio hatchback measures 4,065 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,580 mm and offers a ground clearance of 150 mm. Power comes from the Kappa 1.4-litre D-CVVT petrol engine that delivers 100 PS and 133.3 Nm of torque.

Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Bi-projection headlamps, electric folding ORVMs, 15-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and 60:40 split-folding rear seats are among the key features of the Kia Rio.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is based on the chassis of the Hyundai Tucson and competes with the VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V and the Ford Kuga/Ford Escape. The compact SUV is 4,480 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,655 mm tall. It has a 2,670 mm-long wheelbase and offers a ground clearance of 172 mm. Under the hood, is the Nu 2.0-litre MPI petrol engine good for 158 PS and 19.6 kg.m (192.21 Nm) of torque. 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

Xenon headlamps with LED DRL, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED rear combination lamps, smart power tailgate, dual-tip exhaust tail pipes, panoramic sunroof, 5-inch touchscreen audio system and paddle shifters are the highlights of the Kia Sportage.

Kia Rio at GIIAS 2017 - Image Gallery

Present at the event were seven models including the Kia Picanto (not pictured), Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Kia Niro, Kia Rio, Kia Cerato and Kia Optima. Out of these, the Kia Picanto seems to have gotten the most interest. It will rival the Hyundai Grand i10 and is likely to borrow its running gear.

The Kia Sportage is a Hyundai Tucson rival that could be the SUV Kia brings to India. However, the less premium Kia Stonic, not present at the dealer preview, may be a more logical option. Also present at the venue was the Sportage's bigger sibling Sorento. If launched, it will rival the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner in India.

Kia showcased the Niro crossover as well, which is the company's first dedicated hybrid vehicle. We're not expecting the Niro to feature in Kia's immediate plans for India. Plus, with the Indian Government refusing to provide any benefits to hybrid vehicles, partly electrified vehicles are not a top priority for any manufacturer in India right now.

While Kia displayed the Rio hatchback at the dealer event, its sedan sibling is the one that is widely reported to come to India in 2019. Speaking of sedans, the Kia Cerato and the Kia Optima were also present at the Kia dealer Roadshow event. The Cerato is a D-segment sedan whose rivals include the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla Altis. The Optima is its bigger cousin that can be viewed as a rival to the Skoda Superb, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Kia is expected to be present at the 2018 Auto Expo scheduled to commence on February 9. The models here could be present at the Expo as Kia has already imported them into the country.

[source - CarToq]

Kia Motors has started accepting dealership and job applications now. The company will hold road shows in August and September this year for engaging with prospective dealers, during which the latter will get a chance to interact with the top company executives. The company will reveal which cars are on their way to our market during the road shows.

Kia Motors hasn't announced which cars it will use for the road shows. While the Kia Stinger would make the best attention-seeker at the Auto Expo, Kia will need high-volume cars to lure the prospective dealers. The Kia Picanto and Kia Rio Sedan are two of such cars in the company's line-up. Prospective dealers can register for their participation on a dedicated website. The company is showcasing the Kia Stinger on the consumer website and the Kia Provo Concept on the road show website.

Kia Motors will construct a local plant in Anantapur District in the state of Andhra Pradesh beginning in Q4 2017. Built with an investment of US$1.1 billion, this facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019. It will have an annual production capacity of approximately 3,00,000 units.

Also See: Kia Stonic – In 15 Live Images

Kia Motors plans to start selling locally produced cars towards the end of 2019. A compact sedan and compact SUV are the first products planned for India. The Kia Rio Sedan, a B-segment product internationally, is the expected compact sedan. The Kia KX3, also a B-segment product, is probably the compact SUV. The company will showcase 3-4 products at Auto Expo 2018.

The Russian-spec 2017 Kia Rio sedan is an amalgamation of the global 2018 Kia Rio sedan and the China-only 2017 Kia K2. Up front, the grille and bumper are similar to that of the global version, while the swept-back headlamps are borrowed from the K2. The profile is the same as that of the K2. At the rear, while the tail lamps and tailgate look pasted from K2, and the bumper is unique to Russia.

The Russian-spec 2017 Kia Rio sedan measures 4,400 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width and 1,470 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Its interior looks same as that of the K2.

The 2017 Kia Rio sedan is available in Russia in ten different configurations. Two engine options are available: Kappa 1.4-litre MPI and Gamma 1.6-litre MPI. The 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 100 hp at 6,000 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 1.6-litre petrol engine develops 123 hp at 6,300 rpm and 151 Nm of torque at 4,850 rpm. 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic are the transmission choices common to both the engine models.

Also Read: Kia Motors could begin Indian operations with the Kia Rio sedan

Projector headlamps, LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lights are the 2017 Kia Rio sedan's exterior highlights. On the inside, the Hyundai Solaris/VW Polo sedan rival features leather seats, automatic climate control, heated steering wheels, heated seats, 7-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6-speaker sound system. Prices range from 6,69,900 rubles (INR 7,60,280.14) to 9,89,000 rubles (INR 10,75,298.35).

Kia Motors announced its entry into the Indian market last month. Hyundai's sister brand will start production in the country by the end of 2019 at a brand new factory in Andhra Pradesh. Reports that followed the announcement speculate that the company could boot-up Indian operations with the Kia Rio Sedan.

The Kia Rio Sedan recently entered its fourth generation with the all-new model displayed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show last month. It is designed by the company's European and U.S. design studios in collaboration with the design base in Namyang, South Korea.

The new generation Kia Rio rides on an all-new platform. With a length of 172.6 inches (4,384.04 mm), it's 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) longer now. The wheelbase has increased by 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) to 101.6 inches (2580.64 mm). Designers have reduced the width and height to give the car a more balanced and athletic stance.

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan is powered by the Gamma 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 130 hp and 109 lt.-ft. (147.78 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. 15-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).

Also Read: Kia Motors to launch small car, sedan and SUV in India

The Indian spec Kia Rio Sedan will have a diesel engine option and a high level of localisation as it will share components with the all-new Hyundai Verna that is confirmed to launch in India in the second half of the year.

It's a little too early to talk about the pricing, but the Maruti Ciaz & Honda City rival could start between INR 7-9 lakh (ex-showroom).

In November, Kia released the 2017 Kia K2, the Chinese version of the new generation Kia Rio Sedan. In the latest, the global specification 2017 Kia Rio Sedan is exposed in undisguised spy shots captured by Twitter user HUBEMX in Mexico.

The front-end of the 2017 Kia Rio Sedan looks identical to the 2017 Kia Rio hatchback and is considerably sportier and aggressive compared to the outgoing model. At the sides, the new generation three-box vehicle has drastically changed. The glasshouse is redesigned to look sleeker and linear with the missing front vent glass. The rear-end features redesigned tail lamps, trunk lid and tweaked bumper. The interior should be identical to that of the 2017 Rio hatchback.

The 2017 Kia Rio is 15 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 5 mm lower, and has a 10 mm longer wheelbase. The boot space has increased by 37 litres to 325 litres. Expect similar increments on the sedan version. The current Rio Sedan measures 4,370 mm in length, 1,720 mm (including mirrors) in width and 1,455 mm in height, with a 2,570 mm wheelbase. The engine options could stay the same as the hatchback's, also featuring the new 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

Also Read: Kia ‘Stonic’ compact SUV to be revealed at IAA 2017

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan could première at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show to be held next month and launch internationally this year. The Hyundai Verna/Honda City rival is destined to roll out of Pesqueria, Mexico.

[Image Source: Twitter]

South Korea's biggest auto company Hyundai Motor and group company Kia Motors will flex muscle with an aggressive product launch cadence in the Korean market next year to point sales back in the right direction.

Company officials have confirmed to Yonhap that seven new models will come out in the country to raise their combined market share. Though this is lower than the 9 models the brands have brought to the market place this year, it includes some never before seen vehicles which will help it reach into new segments.

The first of the models would be the all-new Kia Morning (Kia Picanto) which, reckoning from spy shots, is production ready. It features a revised exterior mimicking the Rio and a completely redone interior with upgraded interior components and a more premium dashboard.

The second model would be the 2017 Hyundai Grandeur hybrid. The sixth generation Hyundai Grandeur was launched in Korea last week in petrol, diesel and LPG variants.

Thirdly Hyundai will introduce the Genesis G80 diesel. Originally planned for this year, the variant was postponed due to the severe backlash for diesel cars from the VW Dieselgate scandal and the bad publicity for diesel engines and particulate emission. The engine is likely to be the six-cylinder 240 hp unit used on the US-spec G80.

Sticking with Genesis, the all-new Genesis G70 will see daylight in 2017. Based off a new rear-wheel drive platform, the G70 will target the BMW 3 Series. The vehicle was previewed by the Genesis New York concept at the NYIAS 2016.

Kia Motors, on the other hand, will unveil its first-ever sport sedan. Leaked images show the car featuring a swoopy roofline, with reports that go with it claiming it would use the 'Kia K8' and 'Kia Stinger' brand names.

Another model mentioned in the report is the Hyundai small SUV, which would be the Hyundai Creta's counterpart for developed markets, featuring European styling and finish, with advanced safety and connectivity. The B-Segment SUV, previewed by the Hyundai Intrado concept from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, would be based on the i20's platform, and challenge the Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR.

The final model in the report is the next-gen Kia Pride, the name used by the Kia Rio sedan in South Korea. The new Pride has already reached dealers in China as the Kia K2 sedan.

In the first 10 months of the year, the two automakers combined sold 3,890,825 cars globally, down 2.6 percent from the same period last year, data shows. Their domestic market share dropped below 60 percent for the first time in many decades, and the group will be hoping for redemption with seven new launches in 2017.

[Source - Yonhap]

The 2017 Kia Rio 5-door was showcased at the 2016 Bogota Motor Show in Colombia this month, following its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The fourth gen Rio will enter production towards the end of 2016, and go on sale in the U.K in early 2017. Here are images from the show floor, courtesy of IAB reader Sebastian.

The model displayed is the 1.4 GLS variant, which is powered by a 1.4L petrol engine that produces 100 PS (98.59 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 132.4 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other engines offered in international markets include 1.0L T-GDI 3-cyl petrol engine and a 1.6L naturally aspirated 4-cyl petrol engine.

As instantly noticeable, the new Rio has grown. Compared to the outgoing model, it is 15 mm longer with a length of 4,065 mm, 5 mm wider with a width of 1,725 mm and 5 mm lower with a height of 1,450 mm. The wheelbase also has been extended by 10 mm to 2,580 mm. Boot volume has also increased to 325 liters, which is claimed to be the most spacious in its class.

Also Read: 2017 Kia Picanto side profile completely exposed

Some of the new features include swept back projector headlamps with U-shaped LED DRLs, bonnet wide ‘tiger-nose’ grille, new taillamps with arrow-shaped LED light signature (not featured in the Bogota show car), new dashboard with a ‘floating HMI’ touchscreen infotainment system, and a redesigned 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Instead a touchscreen system, the Bogota show car has a regular 2 DIN audio system.

The next-gen 2017 Kia Rio Sedan has been officially introduced as the all-new Kia K2 in China. It will launched in the Chinese market on 7 November.

From the sides, the 2017 Kia K2 looks just as expected, but the front fascia is completely different. Consider the radiator grille for instance, which reminds more of the Kia Optima than the recently introduced global Kia Rio hatchback. The strange approach is as the K2 is a China-only model, and the global version (2017 Kia Rio Sedan) will look more European.

The 2017 Kia K2 measures 4,400 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. It will be offered with two engines. The base engine is a 1.4-litre unit that produces 100 PS (98.59 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 132.4 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and sends power to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also available, will be a 1.6-litre engine developing 123 PS (121.27 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 150.7 Nm of torque at 4,850 rpm, but only with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Also See: 2017 Kia Picanto spied in South Korea [Video]

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan should debut in early 2017, and is expected to go on sale in the world markets from the first half of next year.

[Image Source: PCauto.com.cn]